Corpus Christi ISD's Zavala Elementary opens first teacher wellness room thanks to CCAFT

Teachers and staff members at Corpus Christi ISD's Zavala Elementary are now able to relax and unwind after strenuous schooldays in their new teacher wellness room.

From a $21,000 grant from the Corpus Christi American Federation of Teachers received in March 2021, the school is the first of the district and area to offer a wellness and calm room for teachers that includes four massage chairs, yoga mats, a seating area, oil diffusers and a private restroom.

Principal Judith Hinojosa said she hopes other schools will offer a similar room for their teachers.

"This is a great addition for them," Hinojosa said. "I hope it brings teachers time to relax and de-stress and I hope it helps them feel better so they can continue to teach and work after long days."

Nancy Vera, president of the Corpus Christi American Federation of Teachers, said the room is necessary for all educators everywhere.

"We need to take care of each other and ensure our educators in our schools care for themselves," Vera said. "The Corpus Christi American Federation of Teachers is all about healing. We may not be physicians, but we want to be able to rise out of this pandemic and bring everyone together so we can have the best educated children we can have."

Along with Vera, Corpus Christi Mayor Paulette M. Guajardo, Nueces County Judge Barbara Canales and Evelyn DeJesus, executive vice president of the American Federation of Teachers, spoke to attendees on the importance of the wellness room.

Guajardo said everyone needs peace and self-care and the new room will help teachers at Zavala.

"We always say our children are our future, but our children are not our future without our teachers," Guajardo said. "You deal with parenting and molding our children, then you have to teach them and we hold you responsible. That's a huge balance to maintain and this room represents what every teacher deserves."

Canales said a wellness room is needed in every school in Corpus Christi and mental health awareness is necessary for educators.

"Our adolescents take their cues from their leaders and their mentors who are their teachers," Canales said. "To be able to have this room where they can decompress is great for our community. We could use some wellness everywhere."

DeJesus, the first Latina officer in the union’s 105-year history, said it is rare to see a strong collaboration between city's government, the American Federation of Teachers and a school district. She said she hopes that bond continues to grow.

"There's a lot of pressure on teachers when it comes to educating and taking care of our children," DeJesus said. "They have to meet demands of testing and criteria, so with this room they can come and catch their breath before finishing the rest of their day. I hope this will give them a moment of peace, relaxation and unity."

Katherine Margo, an adaptive education teacher at Zavala, said she is looking forward to using the room soon. She said it will be put to good use by all of her colleagues.

"This room gives us a whole new lease on life to be able to get through the school year and get a refreshed outlook for the following day," Margo said. "I think because of the pandemic, having this wellness room to visit before heading home will make a huge difference. I'm so thankful for it."

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John Oliva covers education and community news in South Texas. Consider supporting local journalism with a subscription to the Caller-Times.

This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: Zavala Elementary is home to first Teacher Wellness Room in area